Blood test to predict breast cancer risk

Researchers at UCL (University College of London) have identified an epigenetic signature in the blood of women predisposed to breast cancer owing to a inherited genetic mutation of BRCA1 gene.

Epigenetic mutations are understood to be the key molecular switches that are involved in the development of cancer.

BRCA1 mutation is inherited from a parent and is the cause of atleast 10 % of breast cancers.

A simple blood test will be able to tell the likelihood of a woman developing breast cancer, even if she is not in the high risk category.

Written by: Dr. Ajay Sati.